Cobber the Collecting Crow

Reach for this book when you notice your child struggling with the temptation to keep something that belongs to a sibling or friend. It is an ideal choice for the preschool and early elementary years when impulse control is still developing and the concept of 'finders keepers' often creates social friction. The story follows Cobber, a crow who loves shiny things, as she faces a difficult choice after finding a friend's prized gold star marble. Through Cobber's dilemma, children see that keeping something that isn't theirs creates a heavy feeling of guilt and secrecy. This gentle narrative validates the initial desire to have something beautiful while showing that true friendship is more valuable than any trinket. It provides a safe space to discuss honesty and the relief that comes with doing the right thing, helping children move from impulsive 'collecting' to empathetic sharing.